Walters urges govt to avert cost of living rise due to port delays

The Democratic Labour Party (DLP) has strongly urged the government to take decisive action to prevent further increases in consumer prices following the announcement of new shipping fees by Florida Shipping Lines (FSL).

In response to Barbados TODAY’s front page story, opposition Senator Ryan Walters, has condemned the government’s slow response to what he describes as a serious issue that threatens to worsen the already skyrocketing cost of living.

“The recently announced congestion surcharge by Florida Shipping Lines is a direct result of berth congestion and operational delays at the Bridgetown Port, inefficiencies that are not the fault of importers,” said Walters, the DLP’s spokesperson on energy, small business, entrepreneurship, and housing.

“Yet, rather than taking swift and decisive action, the government has remained lethargic and indecisive. This issue is simple and straightforward, and the government must act now.”

Senator Walters insisted that the cost of goods was already at unsustainable levels for many Barbadian households, urging the Bridgetown Port to absorb all costs associated with its inefficiencies, rather than passing them on to consumers.

Referring to the port’s Annual Report 2023, Senator Walters pointed to the port’s 2023 operational profit of $35.7 million as proof that it has the financial capacity to absorb these additional costs temporarily while rectifying its inefficiencies.

“If the port takes responsibility for its own operational shortcomings, it will be forced to act with urgency rather than dragging its feet while Barbadians pay the price,” the senator argued.

“We all know that when merchants and manufacturers are asked to absorb extra costs, these get passed down the supply chain to consumers. This will further strain already struggling households, and history has shown us that once prices go up, they ‘never’ come down,” he told Barbados TODAY.

The proposed surcharge is expected to take effect on Monday, February 24 for full container loads (FCL) and March 2 for less than full container loads (LCL). Leading figures — the Barbados Manufacturers Association (BMA), the Barbados Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI), and the Barbados Consumer Empowerment Network (BCEN) — have all warned that this surcharge will exacerbate inflationary pressures on consumers.

“This government has a duty to protect Barbadians from unnecessary financial strain, yet their inaction speaks volumes.

We in the DLP are calling on the administration to immediately intervene and prevent these increases from taking effect. The time for talk has passed — Barbadians need relief, not more excuses,” he said.

On Monday, Kerrie Symmonds, senior minister coordinating productive sectors said key government stakeholder met last Friday and examined the challenges at the port.

“The stakeholders will report back within a few days and we will be better placed to have discussions with the Florida shipping lines,” he said.

Senator Walters also reaffirmed the DLP’s commitment to standing with Barbadian consumers and businesses against policies that increase financial hardship, urging the government to prioritise the needs of its people over bureaucratic inefficiencies and delays. (IMC)